Suthra Punjab vehicles left to rust

Theft and neglect plague fleet; spare parts stolen from government vehicles

RAWALPINDI:

Newly acquired sanitation vehicles under the "Suthra Punjab" cleanliness initiative have reportedly been left exposed in the open for the past one-and-a-half years near the Pothohar Town office and Facilitation Centre at the District Courts complex, resulting in significant deterioration and alleged theft of parts.

The vehicles - including loaders, trolleys, tractors and smaller utility vehicles - have reportedly suffered rust damage and fading paint due to prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall and intense sunlight.

Officials and local sources said the lack of security during evening and night hours had also led to the alleged theft of tyres, spare parts and seats from several vehicles.

According to complaints, many of the vehicles are now close to becoming unusable after remaining parked and unattended for an extended period. Despite repeated complaints, the relevant authorities allegedly failed to take action.

Complaints were also submitted to the Suthra Punjab Authority (SPA), but concerns regarding the safety and maintenance of the vehicles reportedly remained unresolved.

Sources claimed that groups frequenting the court area after sunset had begun stealing spare parts from the parked vehicles.

Officials of the Pothohar Town administration stated that the vehicles did not belong to their department and had merely been stored adjacent to their offices.

Meanwhile, the SPA said the vehicles would be brought into operational use from the new fiscal year beginning in July and deployed across the Rawalpindi Division wherever required.

Authorities maintained that the vehicles were currently surplus to requirements in Rawalpindi city and had therefore been parked at the site temporarily.